4 Years of Brown: Taking DT Jax to the next level!
On July 1, 2011, Mayor Alvin Brown became the first African American Mayor in Jacksonville's history. At the time, Mayor Brown promised that he would take Jacksonville to the Next Level. Revitalizing downtown Jacksonville was a major part of his plan to do just that. In honor of his last day as Mayor of the City of Jacksonville, here's a look at a few major downtown projects completed or under construction during Mayor Alvin Brown's four years in office.
2011 (Last 6 Months)
These were projects nearing completion when Mayor Alvin Brown replaced Mayor John Peyton on July 1, 2011.
Duval County Courthouse
Laura Street Streetscape
2012
The J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver Tower was the only downtown highrise completed during Mayor Alvin Brown's term.
J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver Tower
2013
McDonald's Restaurant - State Street
It could be argued that this McDonald's Restaurant was the most significant downtown project completed in 2013. It may not seem like much, but it indicated that the overlooked State and Union Street corridor is suitable for market rate commercial development.
2014
The completion of Everbank Field's world's largest scoreboards were probably the downtown project that recieved the most fanfare and media coverage during Mayor Alvin Brown's four years in office.
Everbank Field Renovations
Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce
Sweet Pete's
Sweet Pete's in the old Seminole Club building, photo by Fran Ruchalski
2015 (First 6 Months)
In 2011, Mayor Alvin Brown promised taxpayers a new Winn-Dixie for downtown. We already had one. Nevertheless, he did deliver a new Fresh Market, which is the first full line grocery store to be built in the city's core in decades.
Brooklyn Station
Jessie Ball DuPont Center
Southbank Riverwalk
State Attorney's Office
220 Riverside
Under Construction
Over the last year, there has definitely been an increase in the amount of projects completed, under construction and proposed. With the economy improving and downtown excitement growing, it is now time for Mayor-elect Lenny Curry to continue the city's renaissance.
Beaver Street Villas
Brooklyn Riverside
Cowford Chophouse
JTA Flyer Bus Rapid Transit
Jacksonville Regional Transportation Center
Northeast Florida Regional Transportation Management Center
Parador Parking Garage
Riverside YMCA
Article by Ennis Davis, AICP. Contact Ennis at edavis@moderncities.com
These were projects nearing completion when Mayor Alvin Brown replaced Mayor John Peyton on July 1, 2011.
Duval County Courthouse
Laura Street Streetscape
2012
The J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver Tower was the only downtown highrise completed during Mayor Alvin Brown's term.
J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver Tower
2013
McDonald's Restaurant - State Street
It could be argued that this McDonald's Restaurant was the most significant downtown project completed in 2013. It may not seem like much, but it indicated that the overlooked State and Union Street corridor is suitable for market rate commercial development.
2014
The completion of Everbank Field's world's largest scoreboards were probably the downtown project that recieved the most fanfare and media coverage during Mayor Alvin Brown's four years in office.
Everbank Field Renovations
Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce
Sweet Pete's
Sweet Pete's in the old Seminole Club building, photo by Fran Ruchalski
2015 (First 6 Months)
In 2011, Mayor Alvin Brown promised taxpayers a new Winn-Dixie for downtown. We already had one. Nevertheless, he did deliver a new Fresh Market, which is the first full line grocery store to be built in the city's core in decades.
Brooklyn Station
Jessie Ball DuPont Center
Southbank Riverwalk
State Attorney's Office
220 Riverside
Under Construction
Over the last year, there has definitely been an increase in the amount of projects completed, under construction and proposed. With the economy improving and downtown excitement growing, it is now time for Mayor-elect Lenny Curry to continue the city's renaissance.
Beaver Street Villas
Brooklyn Riverside
Cowford Chophouse
JTA Flyer Bus Rapid Transit
Jacksonville Regional Transportation Center
Northeast Florida Regional Transportation Management Center
Parador Parking Garage
Riverside YMCA
Article by Ennis Davis, AICP. Contact Ennis at edavis@moderncities.com